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Apply for A Residential Exemption

Assessing

Taxpayers who own and occupy their home can save on their tax bill by having a portion of their tax bill exempted from taxation. To qualify for the residential exemption, homeowners must own and occupy their home on January 1 preceding the start of the fiscal year.

How to Start

In order to apply for a Residential Exemption, you need to:

  1. Download residential exemption application
  2. Fill out application and return with a copy of your Massachusetts State Tax Form 1
  3. If the property is in trust obtain a copy of the trust instrument, including amendments and a copy of the schedule of beneficiaries
  4. Submit application and documentation to the Assessing Department

Requirements

  • Applicants must meet residency qualifications of January 1. The applicant must own and occupy property as their principal residence on January 1.
  • Applicants must provide a copy of their prior year's Massachusetts State Income Tax return
  • For owners of a property in trust: Trust ownership arrangements may affect qualification for residential exemption. As a general rule, an applicant must be a trustee and a beneficiary. Additionally, the following documentation is required for owners of a property in trust:
    • A copy of a recorded trust instrument, including amendments
    • A copy of the schedule of beneficiaries
Page was last modified on 7/24/2023 8:11 PM
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